Chapter 242: A Long Awaited Plan
Clondoire’s eyes glinted with the sharpness of a man who had stopped fearing consequences long ago. He took a slow step forward,
"I have been planning this for more than a decade, your grace," he confessed in a reverent voice, "It began when I met Olivia’s parents. Her mother has saved a child once in the words. He was bleeding out, torn apart by wolves. There was no chance that he would survive, But she touched him, whispered something... and he lived. She thought she was alone there and no one saw her, but I did. Since my hounds had torn the child apart." his eyes gleamed with joy just thinking about that accident.
"Then I went to the town and confirmed myself. There were so many experiences like that. Where the people who were on the verge of death came alive or became healthy suddenly. They all believed that the goddess was protecting them. But I knew gods did ot live among us, only demons do."
"It did not take me long to track her down since she was very popular and I could never forget her fiery hair and green eyes. I lived there with their guests and showed my deep care until they were moved. I have met Olivia and Oriana there but I did not go closer. I knew it was hard for that woman to trust. But her husband was easy to fool. His wealth was depleting because he did not collect much tax and spend more on the commoners than he had. When I offered help in exchange for miracle treatment, he confided that his wife could perform magic. She could save lives." the man laughed like he had gone mad.
"But when I told the woman to take lives, she refused. The nerve of her!" He smiled, but it was far from warm. "Now look where her stubbornness had taken her!"
Rhistel’s gaze darkened, but he didn’t interrupt.
"Oh lord, you do not understand power, since you have never tasted it. But you can not blame them for wanting more. You could not expect me to manage these small three villages all my life where the land is barren and the beasts attack all the time? It is only normal that I want wealth and power for myself. One must have one want! It is your family who taught me so."
The man grinned with his eyes going colder.
"Why did you not take Oriana and Olivia then. After the death of their parents, they were alone." Clondoire gritted his teeth as if someone had pressed his sore spot.